You're probably familiar with Mardi Gras festivities native to New Orleans, but Destin has its fair share of notable masquerades, parades, and celebrations. If you're visiting the Emerald Coast mid-February, you're in luck. Join in on the fun with family and friends with the five following Mardi Gras events that you do not want to miss!
Feb. 21st: Mardi Gras Masquerade at Destin Commons
Image Credit: Destin Commons
Destin Commons invites you to Laissez les bons temps rouler or Let the Good Times Roll and join them for their annual Mardi Gras Masquerade. The family-friendly event kicks off at 6:00 PM CST and features live music, free face painting, photo booth, and more! At 7:00 PM, their Mardi Gras parade will be well on its way as sounds from the celebration resound through the Commons!
Feb. 22nd: Mardi Gras Parade & Pawdi Gras at HarborWalk Village
Image Credit: HarborWalk Village
Launching just after midday, Fais Do-Do takes the stage at 2:00 PM CST. Be sure to get there early to be the first in line for beads, dazzling floats and street performers as the parade rolls at 4:00 PM CST. Did you bring your fur baby along? Enter your pup in a spirited Pawdi Gras Pet Costume contest following the parade! Registration starts at 5:00 PM CST.
Purchase your tickets HERE to ride in one of HarborWalk Village’s authentic Mardi Gras parade floats! Your ride includes a float stocked with over 800 beads to throw with a complimentary beverage package from Coca Cola and Saint Archer Brewery.
Feb. 23rd: Mardi Gras Food and Wine Festival
Image Credit: Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra
Interested in something a bit more laid back? The Northwest Florida Symphony Guild invites you to an afternoon of tapas, wine and a silent auction to the theme of Mardi Gras! The fundraising event will begin at 1:00 PM CST at Northwest Florida State College’s Niceville campus on the first floor of building 400 (Student Services Center). Take your pick from dozens of scrumptious drinks and samples provided by local restaurants and businesses. Proceeds from the event benefit the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Feb. 23rd: Baytowne Mardi Gras Parade
Image Credit: Baytowne Wharf
At 2:00 PM CST, the Village streets will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans along with unique and colorful floats, golf carts, and pick-up trucks. Mardi Gras music will fill the air as our four-pawed friends and parade participants shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies, and other trinkets.
Feb. 25: Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi
Image Credit: Baytowne Wharf
Prepare to let your hair down on what many call the most festive day of the year, Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Starting at 6:00 PM CST, the Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi will be complete with music, street performers, entertainers, and more! The post-parade celebration continues into the night with parties at various Baytowne establishments. So break out the beads and get ready for a night to remember!
With so many fun Mardi Gras events taking place in the Destin area, you're sure to have a blast during your stay!